GEOL353 Earth Evolution and Plate Tectonics

Study planetary differentiation, composition and tectonic processes to learn how Earth has evolved from the formation of the Solar System to modern-day plate tectonics.

This paper explores tectonic systems and how these have shaped Earth, from the beginning of Earth to the modern day. They will bring together data from different geological disciplines to address topics such as planetary accretion, planet differentiation, mantle convection, the origin of subduction, mountain building, formation of continental and oceanic crust, and Zealandia tectonics.

Paper title	Earth Evolution and Plate Tectonics
Paper code	GEOL353
Subject	Geology
EFTS	0.15
Points	18 points
Teaching period	Semester 1 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD)	$1,141.35
International Tuition Fees	Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.

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Prerequisite

EAOS 111 and/or GEO112, and 72 200-level points from Science Schedule C

Schedule C

Science

Notes

Students must be prepared to attend field trips outside of regular semester time.

Contact

geology@otago.ac.nz

More information link

View more information about GEOL 353

Teaching staff

To be advised.

Paper Structure

Topics covered include:

• Earth origins:
  • Earth's elements and age
  • Earth differentiation and the Late Heavy Bombardment
  • Earth from petrological and geophysical perspectives
  • First continental crust and subduction initiation
• Plate tectonics on a sphere
• Mantle melting:
  • Oceanic lithosphere and mid-ocean ridges
  • Do mantle plumes exist?
  • Ocean island basalts
  • Large igneous provinces
• Thermal evolution of orogenic belts

Teaching Arrangements

Two lectures and one lab per week
Optional tutorials
One fieldtrip

Textbooks

Textbooks are not required for this paper.

Course outline

GEOL353-Tectonics-outline (previous syllabus indicative of content next time the paper is taught)

Graduate Attributes Emphasised

Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Environmental literacy, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.

Learning Outcomes

Specific learning outcomes are:

• Integrated and quantitative understanding of tectonic systems and tectonic processes
• Problem-solving skills
• Quantitative skills
• Teamwork skills

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